Backsies

Finnegan on my Chair
Tequesta, FL
July 16, 2025

 Finn actually did not care that I called backsies. He jumped into my chair and proceeded to make it his, despite my protestations. 

Well, he is a dog, after all. 

I had only stood to get some water before resuming my computer work, but since Chris was in sitting in char next to mine, Finn decided to take my now empty chair for his own. That I called backsies did not matter. 

It had been a long day. I had canceled our boat reservation based upon the advice of the marina because of expected weather--that put a big hole in our day. 

I managed a short 12-mile bike ride in-between the storm clouds, but that was pretty much the extent of my outdoors activity. 

Another stormy day is on tap, sadly. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Gully Washer

 And so Tuesday has arrived. 

At least it will is Tiki Tuesday! That should be fun, if the incessant rains can hold up for a day or so. 

Yesterday was pretty much a washout. It rained, off and on, all day. There was more than one gully washer. I was weathered out of my morning bike ride and with the exception of an hour or so, the entire day was dreary and wet. Ugh.  

Today, it seems, we will enjoy a short respite this morning and then by about 1:30 PM the rains will arrive. The image is the projected rain/thunderstorm situation at 1:33 PM. 

Chris and I have busy mornings planned and it seems as if we should just consider hunkering down for the afternoon. I am hoping that the weather clears by Happy Hour so that we can enjoy Tiki52. If not, we may have to frequent another watering hole. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the Sand
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out for a beach walk this morning. The day had dawned beautiful with blue clear skies and a light, I think it is Saharan Dust, haze. 

We decided to head back over to the beach and enjoy a walk along the shore. As I stood at the base of the stairs which cross the dune, I was amazed by the numbers of footprints I saw in the sand. Beyond the beach the ocean was flat and inviting with the recently risen sun reflecting off the water. 

Blue Heron Fishing Vessel Heading Out
Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

I knew we were in for an enjoyable beach walk.

In the distance, on the flat ocean motoring out of the Jupiter Inlet, I spied the Blue Heron drift fishing vessel heading out with its passengers for a morning of ocean fishing. It has been more than a few years since I paid for a spot on the Heron and headed out to fish. I have only once actually caught anything that was edible--but I always had fun.

Chris, Finn, and I added our footprints to the sand along the stretch of beach, although many of them washed away in the rising tide. We noted that we had been preceded not only by people, but birds, dogs, and a number of sea turtles. It was fun to read the signs of those who had gone before the wind and waves washed them away. 

Footprints in the sand are, after all, only a temporary record of those who have come before us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Changing up the Day

Jupiter Island Beach
Tequesta, FL
July 11, 2025

Chris and I changed our usual activities yesterday. 

We did something that we had not done in a very long time, we began the day with a walk on the beach. It was a beach that we used to frequent often, but had not visited in more than a few months.

The walk was fun and we saw many turtle nests. I was actually surprised at how many nests were on this lightly used beach. We walked well over a mile along the beach enjoying the breeze, the sun, and finding treasures along the way. There had been an eruption of turtles during the night that was being examined by a staff member from the turtle center, but we did not see any baby turtles. 

For our afternoon excitement we went to the movies and watched Superman. Both Chris and I enjoyed it and it was refreshing because it was not an origin movie, but an action movie that spared us Mose of Superman's history. The dog, Krypto, stole the show!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
July 8. 2025

 Tuesday is Tiki Tuesday! 

Enjoying Tiki52 on a Tuesday evening is becoming addicting. Even though the day was hot, the late-afternoon was delightful at Tiki with a nice breeze blowing off the ICW. We enjoyed conversation with friends along with adult beverages and dinner under the huge tiki hut. After dining, we moved to chairs along the marina to watch the boats arrive and disgorge their passengers, crew and fish.

Lights in the Garden
Tequesta, FL
July 8, 2025

Later, after sunset, Chris and I sat on the veranda and enjoyed the new green lights we deployed in the garden. It was decided that we need two more for the full effect and I immediately ordered additional lights from Amazon. We also lit the fire pit, even though it was a hot and humid evening. The ambiance was exceptional.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Starting the Week Correctly

Wine and Sand
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Happy July!

 It was Monday, after all. 

The weekend was over and it was time to settle into the rhythm of the week. 

I began the day with an almost 18-mile ride. I was very hot when I returned home. But, it had been a great ride. 

On the Beach with Friends
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Chris and I then headed off to the store for supplies. It is weird, no matter how often we go for groceries, there always seems to be something more that we need. I definitely have noticed the prices creeping up. Has anyone else noticed that ginger ale is now more than $1 per bottle?

After doing some work around the house, we headed off to the beach for Happy Hour. Despite the nearly suffocating humidity and temperatures at the house, the beach was very nice with a wind coming off the ocean. There water was warm and inviting--and I enjoyed the ocean water for more than a few minutes. 

It was a great ending to the month of June!

Now arriving--my favorite month of the year: July!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

At the Marina

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

 It was a typical Tuesday in South Florida. It was hot, but not as hot as north of here where extreme heat warnings were issued for most of the East Coast. We had normal heat and humidity--which can be very enjoyable.

Pelican
Blowing Rocks Marina, Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

Chris and I made our usual Tuesday trek to the local watering hole. We enjoy the afternoon breezes coming off the ICW and watching the fishermen return from a day on the water. The sky was blue and punctuated with bright puffy clouds, but there was no rain.

A pelican arrived as we were enjoying the scene and provided some live entertainment before the band began cranking out noise. 

It was relaxing; sitting along the edge of the marina enjoying the scene and the breeze off the water.

I am beginning to really enjoy the idea of Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Sunday Funday

Crepe Myrtle in Turtle Creek
Tequesta, FL
June 21. 2025

 Chris and I are expecting a very exciting day. Jeremy and Julie are scheduled to board an aircraft soon and fly-in for an overnight visit before heading off on a cruise out of Miami. We have a fun day planned on the water followed by a relaxing at the house for the evening.  

I have a boat reserved and we should have fun exploring the sandbars which appear at low tide with hundreds of our new best friends. 

Yesterday, I enjoyed a 17 mile ride through Tequesta. The crepe myrtle are in full bloom and I saw this one that made be take notice because of the deep color. 

Here's hoping you have a great Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Caught

Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
June 20, 2025

 Priceless. That is the expression on Chris's face as I caught her napping on the sofa with Finn. I wordlessly grabbed my phone to catch the scene as she was sleeping, but for some reason she woke up just as I took the image. 

What else is there to do on the longest daylight of the year? Nap, of course. 

We had had a busy morning and had just completed lunch. It was, after all, siesta time! Finn is a great bed buddy. 

We finished off the day entertaining friends and had an enjoyable Happy Hour  followed by a summertime dinner of hamburgers, potato salad, and cooked squash. Somewhere along the way we forgot to serve dessert!

Welcome weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Against the Storm Clouds

Palms against the Clouds
Tequesta, FL
June 17, 2025

 There is something about sunlit palms waving in the breeze against gray storm clouds that makes me want to take an image. And so I did, yesterday. 

The rising sun provided just the right illumination for the trees. And these trees are right outside of my front door. 

As the day was drawing to a close, Chris and I enjoyed  Happy Hour along side the ICW which cannot be beat. Even with the heat of the day lingering, we sat comfortably under the expansive thatched rook of Tiki52 and enjoyed the cooling breeze and adult beverages. 

Who knows what today will bring. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Clouds to Cloudless

Clouds in the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
June 16, 2025

 During my ride yesterday, I crossed the Loxahatchee Bridge in Tequesta and I just had to stop. The scene was almost like a painting. The water was still and the reflection of the clouds; stunning! I stood, holding my bike, and enjoyed the moment for a bit longer than normal.

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
June 16, 2025

Later, we descended on the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. The sky was cloudless and the beach almost deserted. I love an empty beach. There were a few people about, but we enjoyed Happy hour and watched the osprey's hunt. There were not the usual shore birds, but the scene was very satisfying.

A great Florida day from start to finish.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Happy Hour and then the Game

 It was a great afternoon and evening where everything fell into place, smoothly. 

We began with Happy Hour and friends, Cathy and Gary, at Seasons 52 where we caught up and enjoyed great company. The apps we enjoyed were good, but the assortment of mini desserts was over-the-top delicious. It was funny that we had never enjoyed multiple desserts before, but last evening they were the perfect exclamation point to a wonderful Happy Hour.

Jax on the Mound
Arundel High, Odenton, MD
June 9, 2025

Following Happy Hour in Columbia we raced to Odenton to attend an American Legion team baseball game.

Jax was on the mound for the team and posted a dominating performance notching no earned runs and nine strikeouts over six innings. He only allowed four walks and three hits. 

The team played well and they won 4-1 with Jax getting the win.   

We definitely enjoyed the afternoon and evening especially the conversation during Happy Hour and Jax's great pitching performance to cap the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday Activities

 

We have a busy day planned. Once the day begins Chris and I expect to be visiting a our favorite winery for the late-morning and early-afternoon and then we celebrate the evening with our youngest grandson and his parents. It is a distinct change from yesterday which saw me golf in the morning and enjoy a very relaxing afternoon and evening. 

We visited Primanti Brothers to enjoy lunch with Jeremy. That was our first visit to Primanti Brothers. I enjoyed a huge Ruben sandwich and, well, an adult beverage. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the multiple sports games on the TVs for a while. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to watching baseball and a movie. There may have been a nap involved. 

We are more than recharged for a busy day. 

Today promises to be cool--with a projected high around 74 degrees. In Rohrersville, MD, it will be cooler crawling up to a high of 70 degrees. I am glad that we golfed yesterday.

I guess we will need to take some jackets with us once we begin the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Rained

Rain from the Doorway
Tequesta, FL
June 1, 2025

 It rained most all of yesterday. 

While the temperatures were cooler, outdoors activities were suspended and we had a flood watch for the low lying areas. OF course, since my elevation is all of 11 feet, I am not in a low lying area which seems pretty weird when compared to areas like Maryland where the elevation can change 11 feet in a very short distance. 

But June has arrived and with it the longest days of sunlight of the year! The counterpoint to December! I love the early morning sunrises and late evening sunsets. I guess that is why being confined to the house on a rainy afternoon is disturbing. 

I watched the Orioles complete a series sweep for the first time this season. They are sitting on a 3-game winning streak for the second time this year and actually are over .500 (6-4) for the past 10 games! Amazing. They even picked up a game during the series on the first place team and are now only 14 games away from the division lead. If they keep playing .600 baseball maybe they can crawl into the playoff race. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Evening along the Jupiter Inlet

Looking to the Mouth of the Inlet and the Ocean
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

 Last evening Chris and I journeyed, along with a friend, to DuBois Park aside the Jupiter inlet to enjoy the ending of the day and sunset. We do not visit the park often as we usually head to the ICW to watch the sunsets and enjoy the evening. That was due to the closure of the US-1 bridge for the past almost two years. But, the bridge is open and getting to DuBois Park is much easier. We traversed the bridge twice yesterday crossing over the Inlet and ICW.

Sunset with the Lighthouse
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

DuBois Park is comfortably large and provides multiple areas to enjoy. Situated along the inlet, there is a lot of boat traffic to enjoy and last evening the water was fairly flat which made the evening even more enjoyable. 

We were treated to a colorful sunset with the Jupiter Lighthouse as the focal point. I have enjoyed boating the waters of the ICW and the inlet and looking across to the lighthouse last evening reminded me of those great times. 

It was a great ending to the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterinlet #jupiterlighthouse #duboispark

Riding the Hump of the Week

 It is the mid-point of the week.

After two days of rain that precluded riding, I am planning on getting out today to ply the streets on my bike. 

It will be very humid and I need to reacclimatize to the steamy weather.  

At least the storms are not expected until this afternoon. But, it is Florida in the summer. Storms and rain is expected. 

It is another busy week in the country and the news. 

It is disheartening that our president has figured out how to abuse his office to increase his wealth while running roughshod over the ethics laws and rules. Also, he always talked about the Biden crime family, when in reality there is only one crime family in operation in the U.S. right now. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Down Day

 

Tobago Cays Marine State Park
St Vincent & the Grenadines
August 3, 2011 

We took a pass yesterday. 

We did manage a trip to the grocery store for replenishment, but other than that it was pretty quiet. 

I spent more time working on some older images to get them ready for possible printing and display. 

The one today is of a turtle I imaged while enjoying Tobago Cays Marine State Park during 2011. 

We had a fun day snorkeling with the turtles during a week long catamaran sailing trip. 

Working with the image brought back some great memories. I had posted a quick blog during the trip titled, Turtles of Tobago Cays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Beach--Last Day

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

 We headed off to the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island to enjoy the sun, sand, and the waves. It was a beautiful day and the last full day of George and Sue's visit with us in Florida. 

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

The waters just off the beach were alive with schools of fish moving along the beach. Every so often they would be attacked by larger fish looking for a meal and the schools would scatter only to reform after the attacker left the area. We watched this activity literally for hours.

I was late getting to the beach as I had to wait for a wine shipment. Fortunately, the delivery was as about the time I expected. It was the 3rd delivery attempt. I am very disappointed with FedEx and their inability to advise me of the wine's initial delivery and then that I could not redirect it to a pick-up location. Some of the wine appears cooked with one cork popped a bit. I have contacted the winery and they will replace any bad bottles--but FedEx really is to blame for their terrible customer service and for not properly caring for the wine in transit. 

We closed out the day with Happy Hour at Hog Snappers and then back to the house for after dinner drinks. It was a wonderful day and we are sad to see George and Sue depart. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Bald Eagle
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary beckoned us yesterday. Chris and I had not visited the sanctuary since it moved to its new location. 

The entire layout and set up is first rate. The animals were active and we enjoyed watching the panthers prowl and the turkeys trot. Seriously--most all of the animals were out in their yards doing something--in the case of the bobcats it was mostly sleeping, however, one of them did walk about. 

Tom Turkey with Fencing
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

While the enclosures first-rate and provide protection for the animals from humans, my only negative of the day was that the enclosures make it hard to get good images of the animals. The best image I was able to obtain was of the eagle, because the enclosure was close enough that I could lean in and take the image between the links of chain fencing. On all others, except in the reptile house, I had to fight the enclosure for an image.

I was very impressed overall with the new facility and the availability of volunteers and staff to answer questions and provide insights. I was also impressed with the availability of restrooms!

My only other critique is that I would have preferred more information about the animals on the enclosures--to include some history and in the case of enclosures with multiple species an identification guide. 

A great day and well worth the visit. Allow about 2-3 hours for a visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Checking out Bathtub Beach

Happy Beach Goers
Bathtub Beach, Hutchinson Island, FL
May 15, 2025

 We decided to checkout a new beach yesterday. Well, of course it is not new it is just that we have never visited the beach before. 

We sojourned to Bathtub Beach on Hutchinson Island yesterday. It is a long-ish drive, 45 minutes, but it is a beautiful beach. My failing was that I did not remember my snorkeling gear as there is a reef a few hundred yards offshore which is supposed to be very full of marine life. I don't feel too bad about it though because the water temperature was only 74 degrees yesterday. I will make a return trip when the water gets closer to 80 degrees. 

I don't fully grasp why the beach is balled Bathtub. It is neither small not enclosed, but rather it is a wide stretch of beach. It may be because of the offshore reef which keeps the waves at bay. 

In other thoughts, I noted this truck, a Denali, during our drive yesterday and with the push to Americanize names, I wondered if the company would be changing the name to McKinley? 

Today is a boat day! I love South Florida when the weather is good!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL